Where to Eat in Brno

Brno's dining culture reflects its position as Moravia's culinary capital, where traditional Czech hearty fare meets sophisticated modern gastronomy in the country's second-largest city. The local cuisine centers around Moravian specialties like svíčková na smetaně (beef sirloin in cream sauce), goulash with knedlíky (bread dumplings), and the region's famous Moravian wines from nearby vineyards in Mikulov and Znojmo. Austrian and Hungarian influences permeate the food scene due to Brno's historical ties to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, evident in dishes like schnitzel variations and rich strudels. Today's dining landscape balances cozy traditional hospody (pubs) serving authentic Czech fare with innovative bistros and wine bars that showcase Moravian ingredients and local vintages.

• Historic Center Dining Hub: The area around Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) and Náměstí Svobody forms Brno's primary dining district, featuring traditional restaurants in Gothic cellars and modern establishments in renovated Austro-Hungarian buildings
• Moravian Wine Culture: Brno's dining scene heavily emphasizes local wine pairings, with most restaurants offering extensive selections from South Moravian vineyards, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties that complement the rich local cuisine
• Affordable Pricing Structure: Main courses range from 150-300 CZK in traditional hospody, 300-500 CZK in mid-range restaurants, and 500-800 CZK in upscale establishments, with local beer (Starobrno) typically costing 35-50 CZK
• Seasonal Game Specialties: Autumn and winter bring traditional Moravian game dishes like venison goulash and wild boar with red cabbage, while spring features asparagus preparations and summer emphasizes fresh river fish from the Dyje region
• Underground Dining Tradition: Many of Brno's most authentic restaurants operate in medieval cellars beneath the old town, offering atmospheric dining experiences in spaces that date back to the 13th century

• Reservation Customs: Brno restaurants typically accept walk-ins for lunch (11:30 AM-2:30 PM), but dinner reservations are essential Friday through Sunday, especially in the historic center where tables fill quickly after 6 PM
• Payment and Tipping Practices: Most Brno establishments accept cards, but smaller hospody prefer cash; round up bills by 10% or add 20-30 CZK for good service, with tips given directly to servers rather than left on tables
• Czech Dining Etiquette: Maintain eye contact when toasting with "Na zdraví" (to your health), keep hands visible on the table during meals, and wait for the host to begin eating; sharing tables with strangers in busy hospody is completely normal
• Local Dining Schedule: Lunch runs 11:30 AM-2:30 PM with many restaurants offering daily menus (denní menu) at reduced prices; dinner service begins at 6 PM, with kitchens typically closing by 10 PM on week

Dining in Brno

• Reservations: Popular restaurants in Brno often fill up quickly, especially during peak dining hours (7-9 PM). Book ahead for the best experience.
• Local Specialties: Ask restaurant staff for their signature dishes or regional specialties - these often represent the best of Brno's cuisine.
• Payment Methods: Most restaurants accept major credit cards, but it's wise to carry some local currency for smaller establishments and street food vendors.
• Dining Times: In Brno, lunch is typically served from 12-2 PM and dinner from 6-10 PM. Times may vary by restaurant type.
• Service & Tipping: Ask locals or hotel staff about customary tipping practices in Brno - customs vary significantly by region.